Learn banjo the EASY way!

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Just returned from the most AMAZING three days down at the Guildford Banjo Jamboree! MAN, but were'nt there LOTS of banjo nuts, musicians, acts, professionals, luthiers, friends and families there!

We had a ball and I met some remarkable people! Thanks to all who made it a wonderful experience. My friend Geoff Greening and I shared a caravan he brought up and we all shared in the atmosphere, the BIG TREE, the concerts, the workshops, EVERYTHING!

I plan to do a workshop down there next year in "Pick-Hammer" style if the gods are with me and I think they will be! The event organisers were awesome and provided help in so many ways. It was such an informal three days where we could jam, sit on a street corners in this tiny town and all just spend time with each other sharing tha banjo music and traditions that we all cherish.

Success! My website host Vista has fixed the problems with links and audio files and we now have a fully working website! Thanks to the folks at Vista and we can get on with it. Teething problems happen and we seem to be tracking well!

You might notice that the audio files are mostly electric. This is recent work sending the acoustic banjo through a Fender Mustang Gt-40 amp and then through Wavepad software to add effects to the instrument. For purists this might seem like anathema (taboo) but I love new things anf taking the banjo where no one has gone before (Sorry Captain, but we are detouring at Arturus from our usual Nashville destination!). No matter, if you wish I can add some acoustic tracks.

If you are having any problems with the free lesson link please let me know. It seems to work for some and not for others. Same for the audio files which may have something to do with different device access issues and softeware. Be patient...we are busy sorting this out with my website provider.

i was on air this morning with Uncle George Kookaburra Koori Country Connection 93.7 FM with an electric version of "Rebel River" that I wrote on Circular Quay in 2011 and after that met Gnormie Barsah the great Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander didge player and now close friend. Uncle Georgie and the crew liked it!

I am uploading new electric and acoustic versions of my music for you to sample and learn if you want, we are handling technical hitches so if the sound doesn't work, please be patient! I hope to have this fixed soon!

I am in the process of converting audio files recorded on my iPhone, converting them to MP3 format and loading them on the website. I have included some electric banjo tracks for interest. References to Arabic sounds are only for musical purposes..the scales are Arabic or Middle-Eastern in sound (and probably origin as I am influenced by this mysterious sounding music). Anyway, as soon as they work on the site I will advise!

We now have the PayPal links set up. Once you do you first gift lesson you can purchase a single lesson for A$3.97 + GST. You can also buy a 4-lesson block which included bonus lessons. And for the serious students a 10-block lesson is available which has over 20 lessons...real value there!

So let's get started and learn "Pick-Hammer"...!! Write and tell me how you go..I AM interested in your feedback and your progress.

I started Dreamtree Studios in 2002 and it has progressed a good way since. I have had the intention to build an on-line teaching platform for years and it's now official! The folks at Vista Print who print my business cards have been wonderful help and we are doing an official launch very soon.

You will be able to have your first lesson (15 minutes worth) at no charge and then purchase short lessons for as little as A$3.97. You can also buy blocks of 4, 5 and 10 lessons to save money and get lots of value. We are still working out linking my YouTube instructional videos to the PayPal gateway so be patient! Once this is up and running the whole world will be able to play in this new style....I am happy to present it FINALLY!

I was on FaceBook yesterday and a banjo player from Morocco of all places got on line and spoke to me through a translation program...we managed to chat and he showed me his hand-made 6 string banjo! I love eastern scales and sounds and there he was playing...amazing! Reminds of my hippie days in the 1970's listening to Middle Eastern instrument players out by the border of Afghanistan next to a bonfire...blew my mind...lucky I survived that trip! Anyway, Dreamtree Studios "Pick-Hammer" style is almost ready for its GRAND LAUNCH!